The souks are worth a visit for their bustling atmosphere, the eclectic variety of goods and the traditional way of doing business.
Dubai’s souks are still vibrant marketplaces and are an essential part of the Dubai experience.
Although most of today’s retail activity in Dubai takes place in its avant-garde shopping malls, the city’s souks are still vibrant marketplaces and are an essential part of the Dubai experience. The souks are worth a visit for their bustling atmosphere, the eclectic variety of goods and the traditional way of doing business.
Dubai’s Gold Souk is worth a visit even if you have no intention of buying. But it’s hard to resist the temptation to buy.
The Gold Souk
A Dubai holiday is incomplete without a visit to its world famous Gold Souk in Deira, where narrow streets are lined with hundreds of jewellery shops selling pieces made with gold, silver, and precious stones. Along the slightly larger lanes, each shop window is crammed with gold necklaces, rings, bangles, ear rings and brooches. Designs can be traditional or modern, bold or conservative, sturdy or delicate. Along with designs, you will find many different shades of gold like pink, white, yellow or green hues in one piece. Dubai’s Gold Souk is worth a visit even if you have no intention of buying. But it’s hard to resist the temptation to buy.
The Spice Souk
Located just next to the Gold Souk is the Spice Souk. The colourful array of spices and their heady aroma is tantalising. Here you will find spices of all varieties: cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, saffron, turmeric, chilli and nutmeg. And that’s not all; you will also find basmati rice, dates, dry fruits and nuts of endless varieties, different sorts of tea and tobacco, seductive perfumes, pottery as well as baskets. As you move on from one shop to another, you will be enveloped by these sensory delights. Every day their stocks are replenished by the dhows arriving at the nearby wharf from Iran, India, Pakistan and other countries.
reathe in the aromatic creations and imbibe within you their cultural significances.
The Perfume Souk
Just a short walk from the Gold Souk is Dubai’s Perfume Souk. Thousands of different sweet fragrances will swaddle you and will find yourself helpless while deciding which fragrance to buy. Aromas here range from traditional Arabic Ittars to latest international perfumes, all under same roof. In addition to perfumes, you can also buy incense at the Perfume Souk. They are sold in the form of sticks, powder, crystal, rock and wood. Frankincense is the most popular incense and is available in every store at the Dubai perfume souk. Breathe in the aromatic creations and imbibe within you their cultural significances.
The Textile Souk
The Textile Souk (or the Old Souk, as the locals call it) lies across the Creek in Bur, and can be reached by abra (water taxi). It is a treasure trove of colours, textures and weaves from the world. The bazaar consists of a long line of restored sand-coloured stone buildings, covered by a wooden roof. The multitude of small shops here offer a massive range of fabrics (cashmere, silk, cotton, wool, etc.) plus garments, slippers, souvenirs, and other goods. Shop around as the choice is virtually unlimited and prices are negotiable. Sales occur quite frequently in this area, especially during summertime.
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